Radio frequency power amplifier and communication system

ABSTRACT

There is provided not only a radio frequency power amplifier using an SiGe HBT subject to a little amplification distortion, but also a communication system using the same. A conventional radio frequency power amplifier provides base bias paths of transistors Q 1  through Q N  (SiGe HBT) with bias resistors R 11  through R 1N  having resistance values three to five times higher than those of a ballast resistor attached to each transistor&#39;s base. A coil L B  is provided in parallel with the bias resistor as a means for compensating a voltage drop due to direct current component I DC  flowing through the bias resistor. Addition of the bias resistor suppresses non-linearity of low-frequency variations in an output current. Addition of the coil compensates for voltage drop. Accordingly, the maximum linear output power can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide the power amplifier subject to a little amplification distortion within a wide output range.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio frequency power amplifier and a wireless communication terminal such as a cellular phone and the like using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration in FIG. 2 is widely known as such type of radio frequency power amplifier (see patent document 1). There is used a plurality of GaAs Hetero-junction Bipolar Transistors (Q₁ through Q_(N)) as high-frequency amplifying transistors. The hetero-junction bipolar transistor is hereinafter referred to as HBT or simply as a transistor.

[0003] As shown in FIG. 2, an emitter of each transistor (Q₁ through Q_(N)) is grounded. A base connects with a high-frequency input terminal via a capacitor (C₁ through C_(N)). A collector connects with a high-frequency output terminal. The base of each transistor is connected to a base bias circuit via a resistor (R₁ through R_(N)). The base bias circuit comprises an HBT (Q_(B1)) and a resistor R_(B1). An emitter of the transistor Q_(B1) is grounded. A base and a collector are connected to each other. These are connected to constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B1).

[0004] According to the prior art (patent document 1), a high-frequency signal supplied to an input terminal RF_(in) enters each base of the HBT (Q₁ through Q_(N)) via capacitors C₁ through C_(N), is amplified in each HBT, and exits from a collector of each HBT to an output terminal RFout. The bias circuit supplies a specified voltage. The resistors R₁ through R_(N) function as ballast resistors. When a large proportion of current starts flowing through a specific HBT, a large amount of current flows to a ballast resistor connected to that HBT to cause a voltage drop. The base voltage for that HBT drops to solve the unbalanced current flow.

[0005] [Patent document 1]

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,648

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Let us consider a case where the above-mentioned high-frequency power amplifier according to the prior art employs an SiGe HBT instead of a GaAs HBT as the amplifying transistor. The SiGe HBT contains a base comprising SiGe mix crystal and an emitter and a collector comprising Si. In such case, the following advantages and problems occur due to a difference between GaAs HBT and SiGe HBT characteristics.

[0008] The SiGe HBT reduces an emitter resistance per emitter area to 1/40 to 1/20 of that for the GaAs HBT. Accordingly, the SiGe HBT has advantages of decreasing a loss in the emitter resistor and improving the efficiency during a power amplification operation. However, there is a side effect of increasing signal distortion due to the amplification. This is because a small emitter resistance causes remarkable exponential relationship between voltage and current characteristics. Further, the input/output relationship becomes more non-linear.

[0009] An increase of the signal distortion greatly influences the non-linearity of low-frequency variation waveforms for the output signal amplitude as will be described below. Normally, the high-frequency power amplifier amplifies a sum of a plurality of signals having adjacent frequencies. The amplitude of the sum signal is subject to variations in a frequency between the adjacent frequencies, i.e., a difference frequency. The difference frequency is much lower than the original frequency. A waveform for signal amplitude variations at the low-frequency is called an envelope waveform. FIG. 3A schematically shows an example of envelope waveform I_(env) for output current I_(out). FIG. 3A also depicts average output current I_(ave) of an amplifying transistor and chronological transition of base voltage V_(b).

[0010] This example shows an output current waveform when the power amplifier amplifies a sum signal of two waves of approximately 2 GHz frequencies with the frequency difference of 5 MHz. A shaded portion in the envelope waveform shows an area at approximately the frequency of 2 GHz. The amplitude of the output current waveform (envelope waveform I_(env)) fluctuates at the difference frequency Δf of 5 MHz. Since the power amplifier normally operates at the AB class, the bottom of the envelope waveform I_(env) is cut off at 0. As a result, a large difference occurs between maximum and minimum envelope waveforms.

[0011] If the voltage-current characteristics of a transistor include non-linearity like an exponential tendency, the envelope waveform is distorted. The distorted envelope waveform also distorts the original high-frequency signal waveform, causing an interference between two adjacent waves. As mentioned above, the non-linearity of the voltage-current characteristics tends to increase according as the emitter resistance decreases.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a radio frequency power amplifier and a communication system using the same capable of using an SiGe HBT as the amplifying transistor, making use of the above-mentioned advantages, and decreasing the side effect of increasing distortion.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problems of the power amplifier using the SiGe HBT, the radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention basically uses a combination of the following two means.

[0014] The first means arranges a resistor having a value three to five times greater than that of a conventional ballast resistor for the GaAs HBT at the same position as the ballast resistor in FIG. 2 showing the circuit diagram of the prior art or between the ballast resistor and a base bias power supply (hereafter referred to as a base bias circuit). In the following description, this resistor is referred to as the bias resistor for a distinction from the ballast resistor.

[0015] The second means provides the base bias circuit with a function that compensates for a base voltage drop in the amplifying transistor (SiGe HBT) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistor.

[0016] Operations of the above-mentioned two means will be described below. The following first describes operations of the first means, i.e., inserting the bias resistor. FIG. 3B diagrams output current Iout with the bias resistor inserted by representing envelope waveform I_(env), average output current I_(ave) for the amplifying transistor, and the chronological transition of base voltage V_(b). The base bias circuit is configured to be high impedance against a high-frequency signal. Little high-frequency signal flows through the bias resistor.

[0017] Accordingly, the bias resistor causes no loss in a high-frequency signal, maintaining the advantage of high efficiency compared to the use of the GaAs HBT for the amplifying transistor.

[0018]FIG. 3B shows AB-class operations for the power amplifier. In this case, the average output current I_(ave) of the amplifying bipolar transistor, i.e., an average of collector currents fluctuates at a low frequency like the fluctuation of the envelope waveform I_(env). For this reason, when a current flows from the bias circuit to bases of the amplifying bipolar transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistor, that current also fluctuates at a low frequency. Further, a base voltage of the amplifying transistor also fluctuates at a low frequency due to voltage drop ΔV_(b) generated by the base current flowing through the bias resistor. This base voltage fluctuation causes a negative feedback. The input/output relationship for the amplifying transistor at low frequencies approximates to be more linear from being exponential. As a result, it is possible to suppress a distortion of the envelope waveform.

[0019] However, inserting the bias resistor causes the following side effect. When the power amplifier generates a high output, an average value of output currents increases. This also increases an average value of base currents flowing through the bias resistor. A voltage drop in the bias resistor decreases an average of base voltages for the amplifying bipolar transistor (SiGe HBT) as shown in FIG. 3B, thus decreasing the gain. As a result, non-linearity increases in high outputs, causing a side effect of decreasing the maximum linear output, i.e., the maximum output capable of maintaining the linearity at a specified level or higher.

[0020] To improve this side effect, the above-mentioned second means is needed. The second means provides the bias circuit with the function of compensating for a voltage drop due to the bias resistor and making a base voltage average almost equal to the value for the case of using no bias resistor as shown in FIG. 3C. Specific configurations of this function will be described later. This function can prevent the maximum linear output power from decreasing.

[0021] The concurrent use of the first and second means allows the power amplifier using the SiGe HBT to provide intended high efficiency and low distortion.

[0022] The following describes specific configurations of the second means. Broadly, there are three configurations.

[0023] The first configuration just needs to arrange a coil parallel to the bias resistor. The coil's inductance L is set to be large enough to fully remove low-frequency component f_(L) caused by a low-frequency fluctuation in the above-mentioned envelope waveform out of a base current from the base bias circuit to the base of the amplifying transistor. Consequently, the low-frequency component f_(L) in the base current flows through the bias resistor. Direct current component I_(DC) flows through the coil. As a result, no voltage drop occurs in direct current components for the bias resistor. This makes it possible to suppress the above-mentioned distortion increase due to a gain decrease in high output, improving the maximum linear output power. Since the low-frequency component f_(L) flows through the bias resistor as conventionally practiced, it is possible to maintain the effect of suppressing envelope waveform distortion due to a negative feedback.

[0024] The second configuration just needs to provide a function of detecting the amount of decrease in the amplifying transistor's base average voltage due to a voltage drop in the bias resistor and automatically increasing an output voltage from the base bias circuit so as to compensate this voltage drop. Specific configuration examples will be described in the third to eighth embodiments with reference to FIGS. 5 through 10.

[0025] Alternatively, the third configuration just needs to provide a function of detecting an average output current for the amplifying transistor and automatically increasing an output voltage from the bias circuit for an appropriate value in proportion to the detected value. This is because an average decrease amount of base voltages due to a voltage drop in the bias resistor is proportional to an average output current for the amplifying transistor.

[0026] This basic concept is diagramed as a configuration in FIG. 19. An amount proportional to the average output current is detected as follows. There is provided a bipolar transistor Q_(S) dedicated to average output current detection. In this transistor, an emitter is grounded. A base is connected to a high-frequency input terminal RF_(in) via a capacitor C_(S) and is connected to a base bias voltage source VBB via a resistor R_(S). An amount proportional to the average output current is detected based on a voltage drop in a resistor R_(B2) connected to a collector of the transistor Q_(S).

[0027] The first and second means are indispensable for an SiGe HBT used as the amplifying transistor. The third configuration is also effective for improving the maximum linear output when a compound HBT such as GaAs HBT is used as the amplifying transistor. When an output from the amplifying transistor comprising a compound HBT increases to increase an average output current, a voltage drop occurs in the emitter resistor to decrease the gain, increase the non-linearity, and decrease the maximum linear output. To solve this problem, the third configuration can be used to increase an output voltage from the bias circuit so as to compensate for a voltage drop in the emitter resistor.

[0028] Specific examples for implementing the third configuration will be described in the ninth to fifteenth embodiments with reference to FIGS. 11 through 17.

[0029] The following describes a representative example of combining the first means and the first configuration of the second means. That is to say, a radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention comprises a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and a base bias power supply and having a collector connected to an output terminal. Further, a resistor and a coil are inserted parallel between the base and the base bias power supply.

[0030] The following describes a representative example of combining the first means and the second configuration of the second means. A radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention comprises a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and a base bias power supply and having a collector connected to an output terminal. There is provided a function of detecting an average voltage at a base-side node of the resistor and changing output voltage from the base bias power supply in accordance with a detected value.

[0031] The following describes a representative example of combining the first means and the third configuration of the second means. A radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention comprises: a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and a base bias power supply and having a collector connected to an output terminal; and a bipolar transistor for average output current detection in which a base is connected to a high-frequency input terminal and the base bias power supply, and a collector is connected to a resistor. Further, there is provided a function of detecting an average output current based on the voltage drop in the resistor and changing output voltage from the base bias power supply in accordance with a detected value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a conventional radio frequency power amplifier;

[0034]FIG. 3 shows a time variation in an output current and a base voltage of a amplifying transistor in order to explain effects of first and second means provided in the present invention;

[0035]FIG. 3A shows a case of using neither the first nor second means;

[0036]FIG. 3B shows a case of using the first means;

[0037]FIG. 3C shows a case of using both the first and second means;

[0038]FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0041]FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0043]FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;

[0045]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention;

[0046]FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0047]FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

[0048]FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

[0049]FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0050]FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0051]FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram showing a major part representing the common basic concept of the radio frequency power amplifier according to the third to eighth embodiments of the present invention;

[0053]FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing a major part representing the common basic concept of the radio frequency power amplifier according to the ninth to fifteenth embodiments of the present invention;

[0054]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system using the radio frequency power amplifier according to any of the first to fifteenth embodiment of the present invention; and

[0055]FIG. 21 is a characteristic diagram showing the dependence of gain, efficiency, and adjacent channel power rejection on outputs in order to illustrate effects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0056] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] <Embodiment 1>

[0058]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a radio frequency power amplifier compliant with WCDMA (Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access) indicative of the first embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0059] The embodiment exemplifies a combination of the fist means and the first configuration of the second means. This example shows arrangement of a coil parallel to a bias resistor having a value three to five times greater than that of a conventional ballast resistor.

[0060] In FIG. 1, the reference symbols Q₁ to Q_(N) denote N equivalent SiGe HBTs; C₁ to C_(N) denote N equivalent capacitors; R₁₁ to R_(1N) denote N equivalent resistors; Q_(B1) denotes an SiGe HBT; R_(B1) denotes a resistor; L_(B) denotes a coil; V_(CC) denotes a constant voltage supply; RF_(in) denotes a high-frequency input terminal; and RF_(out) denotes a high-frequency output terminal. The term “equivalent” here signifies an attribute of having an equivalent size, characteristic, and value. This applies to the other embodiments to follow.

[0061] Q₁ to Q_(N) function as amplifying transistors. R₁₁ to R_(1N) function as bias resistors. Q_(B1) and R_(B1) function as a transistor and a resistor of the bias circuit, respectively. Emitters of the transistors Q₁ to Q_(N) are grounded. Collectors are connected to high-frequency output terminal RFout. Wiring from each transistor's base branches into three paths.

[0062] One of the paths joins wiring of the other transistors (Q₁ through Q_(N)) via one of capacitors C₁ through C_(N) and is connected to the high-frequency input terminal RF_(in). Another path unites with wiring of the other transistors (Q₁ through Q_(N)) via one of resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) and is connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B1). The remaining path joins wiring of the other transistors (Q₁ through Q_(N)) and is connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B1) via the coil L_(B).

[0063] The emitter of the transistor Q_(B1) is grounded. Its base is connected to the collector. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B1). A circuit component comprising the transistor Q_(B1) and the resistor R_(B1) functions as a constant voltage supply. In this example, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The inductance of the coil L_(B) is set to 10 μH.

[0064] Two paths are used for base current of each amplifying transistor. One path connects with the bias resistor. The other connects with the coil parallel thereto. Since the inductance of the coil L_(B) is set to a value large enough to cut off low-frequency component (approximately 5 MHz) f_(L), the low-frequency component f_(L) flows through the bas resistor. Direct current component I_(DC) flows through the coil L_(B).

[0065] Since the low-frequency f_(L) flows through the bias resistors R₁₁ to R_(1N), its negative feedback relieves non-linearity due to the exponential relationship between current and voltage characteristics. The envelope waveform distortion is suppressed. Since the direct current component I_(DC) flows through only the coil L_(B), the bias resistor is free from a voltage drop due to direct current components. This decreases a distortion that increases due to a gain decrease at high outputs, improving the maximum linear output power.

[0066] <Embodiment 2>

[0067]FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base. FIG. 4 uses the same reference symbols as those for the conventional example and the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and a detailed description is omitted for convenience of description.

[0068] According to the embodiment, wiring from each base of the transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) branches into two paths. Like the conventional example in FIG. 2, one of the paths unites with the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of capacitors C₁ through C_(N) and is connected to the high-frequency input terminal. The other path unites with the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of ballast resistors R₁ through R_(N). Unlike the first embodiment, this path is further connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B1) via the coil L_(B) and the bias resistor R_(B0) that are connected parallel to each other.

[0069] Like the first embodiment, the second embodiment sets the constant voltage supply V_(CC) to 3.4 V and the coil L_(B) to 10 μH. Unlike the first embodiment, however, the ballast resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 10 Ω in respective parallel connections. The bias resistor R_(B0) is set to 40 Ω.

[0070] The second embodiment can provide the same effects owing to the same operations as for the first embodiment. According to the embodiment, the bias resistor is separated from the ballast resistor and functions independently. The wiring from the amplifying transistor's base branches into two paths. Compared to the first embodiment that uses three wiring branches, the second embodiment provides advantages of simplifying the circuit layout and reducing the circuit footprint

[0071] <Embodiment 3>

[0072]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0073] The third to eighth embodiments are combinations of the first means and the second configuration of the second means and provide specific configuration examples for realizing the following function. That is to say, there is provided a bias resistor having a value three to five times greater than that of a conventional ballast resistor. The function detects the amount of decrease in the amplifying transistor's base average voltage due to a voltage drop in the bias resistor. The function automatically increases an output voltage from the base bias circuit so as to compensate this voltage drop. These embodiments have the basic common configuration that comprises circuit components including at least one bipolar transistor configured as follows. The emitter is grounded in the base bias circuit. The base is grounded via the capacitor. The base is connected to the collector via a first resistor. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply via a second resistor. That circuit component is referred to as a circuit A. A collector node of the circuit A is referred to as a first terminal. A base node thereof is referred to as a second terminal.

[0074] The same configuration parts are denoted by the same reference symbols in the following embodiments.

[0075] In FIG. 5, the reference symbols Q₁ to Q_(N) denote N equivalent SiGe HBTs; C₁ to C_(N) denote N equivalent capacitors; R₁₁ to R_(1N) and R₂₁ to R₂N respectively denote N equivalent resistors; Q_(B1) denotes an SiGe HBT; R_(B1) and R_(B2) denote resistors; CB denotes a capacitor; V_(CC) denotes a constant voltage supply; RF_(in) denotes a high-frequency input terminal; and RF_(out) denotes a high-frequency output terminal. Q₁ to Q_(N) function as amplifying transistors; R₁₁ to R_(1N) as bias resistors; and Q_(B1), R_(B1), R_(B2), R₂₁ to R₂N, and C_(B) as a transistor, resistors, and a capacitor of the base bias circuit.

[0076] A portion enclosed in the dash-double dot lines in FIG. 5 corresponds to the circuit A constituting the base bias circuit. In the circuit A, the emitter of the transistor Q_(B1) is grounded. The base is grounded via the capacitor C_(B). The base and the collector are connected to each other via the resistor R_(B2). The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B1). The collector node of the transistor Q_(B1) corresponds to a first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A. The base node corresponds to a second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A.

[0077] Emitters of the amplifying transistors Q₁ to Q_(N) are grounded. Collectors are connected to the high-frequency output terminal RFout. Wiring from each base branches into three paths. One of the paths joins the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of the capacitors C₁ through C_(N) and is connected to the high-frequency input terminal RF_(in). Another path unites with the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) and is connected to the fist terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A. The remaining path unites with the corresponding wiring of the other transistors and is connected to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A.

[0078] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R₂₁ through R₂N are set to 500 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor CB is set to 1 nF. A combination of the resistors R₂₁ through R₂N and the capacitor CB operates as a low pass filter. Since the capacitor is set to a value large enough to short-circuit a low frequency (approximately 5 MHz), only a direct current flows through the resistor R_(B2). The first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A mainly supplies a bias voltage to bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A detects the base voltage.

[0079] The circuit according to the embodiment operates as follows and compensates for a decrease in base voltages of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N). When the bias resistor is subject to a voltage drop, the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) may be subject to a decrease in base voltages. In such case, a direct current flowing through the resistor R_(B2) in the circuit A increases to decrease the base voltage of the transistor Q_(B1), decreasing a current flowing through the resistor R_(B2). As a result, this increases the voltage of the first terminal T_(A1) and a bias voltage supplied to bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0080] Base currents for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) flow through the bias resistors R₁, through R_(1N). The corresponding negative feedback relaxes non-linearity caused by the exponential relationship between current and voltage characteristics and suppresses the envelope waveform distortion. On the other hand, an increase in the bias voltage compensates for a decrease in base voltages supplied to the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). This decreases a distortion that increases due to a gain decrease at high outputs, improving the maximum linear output power.

[0081] <Embodiment 4>

[0082]FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base. The fourth embodiment uses basically the same connections between components, circuit operations, and effects as for the third embodiment. A difference is that the base is connected to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via a resistor in order to detect a base voltage.

[0083] According to the third embodiment, bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) are connected to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via N resistors R₂₁ through R₂N, respectively. According to the fourth embodiment, on the other hand, only one amplifying transistor is connected to the second terminal T_(A2) via the resistor R₂.

[0084] This configuration provides advantages of simplifying the circuit layout design and decreasing a circuit footprint. While FIG. 5 shows a connection to the amplifying transistor Q_(N), it may be preferable to use a connection to any amplifying transistor. While the embodiment uses one amplifying transistor connected to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A, it may be preferable to use a plurality of amplifying transistors fewer than all of them.

[0085] <Embodiment 5>

[0086]FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0087] The fifth embodiment newly adds the transistor Q_(B2), i.e., SiGe HBT, and the resistor R_(B3) as part of the base bias circuit to the configuration of the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 5. The base of the transistor Q_(B2) is connected to the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B3) and is connected to bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N). Like the third embodiment, the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A is connected to bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N).

[0088] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N) are set to 500 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A are set to 100 μl and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor C_(B) is set to 1 nF.

[0089] The circuit according to the embodiment operates as follows and compensates for a decrease in base voltages of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0090] When the bias resistor is subject to a voltage drop, the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) may be subject to a decrease in base voltages. In such case, there occurs an increase in a voltage at the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A like the third embodiment. In addition, there occurs an increase in voltages for the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B2). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0091] Effects of the fifth embodiment are basically the same as those of the third embodiment. Moreover, the fifth embodiment adds an emitter follower circuit comprising the transistor Q_(B2) and the resistor R_(B3). Even if a bias voltage fluctuates due to variations of an average base current for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) at low frequencies, it is possible to reduce such fluctuation compared to the third embodiment. As a result, there is provided an advantage of further decreasing an amplification distortion.

[0092] <Embodiment 6>

[0093]FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0094] The sixth embodiment differs from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as follows. The sixth embodiment newly adds the transistors Q_(B2), Q_(B3), Q_(B4), and Q_(B5), i.e., SiGe HBTs, and the resistors R_(B3), R_(B4), R_(B5), and R_(B6) as part of the bias circuit to the configuration of the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.

[0095] The base of the transistor Q_(B2) is connected to the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A. The emitter is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B3) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B3). The collector of the transistor Q_(B3) is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B4) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B4). The emitter of the transistor Q_(B4) is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B5) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B5). The collector of the transistor Q_(B5) is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B6) and is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N). Like the third embodiment, the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N).

[0096] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R₂₁ through R₂N are set to 500 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor C_(B) is set to 1 nF.

[0097] The circuit according to the embodiment operates as follows and compensates for a decrease in base voltages of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0098] When the bias resistor is subject to a voltage drop, the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) may be subject to a decrease in base voltages. In such case, there occurs an increase in a voltage at the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A like the third embodiment. This increases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B2) to increase a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This then decreases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B3). This decreases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B4) to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B5). This then increases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B5). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0099] Effects of the sixth embodiment are basically the same as those of the third embodiment. Moreover, the sixth embodiment adds circuit components comprising the transistors Q_(B2) through Q_(B5) and R_(B3) through R_(B6). Even if a bias voltage fluctuates due to variations of an average base current for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) at low frequencies, it is possible to reduce such fluctuation compared to the third embodiment. As a result, there is provided an advantage of further decreasing amplification distortion. Further, it is possible to decrease the temperature dependence of bias voltages compared to the third embodiment. As a result, there is also provided an effect of decreasing the temperature dependence of amplification distortion.

[0100] <Embodiment 7>

[0101]FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0102] The seventh embodiment differs from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as follows. The seventh embodiment newly adds the transistors Q_(B2), Q_(B3), and Q_(B4), i.e., SiGe HBTs, and the resistors R_(B3), R_(B4), and R_(B5) as part of the bias circuit to the configuration of the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 5.

[0103] The base of the transistor Q_(B2) is connected to the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A. The emitter is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B3) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B3). The emitter of the transistor Q_(B3) is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B4) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B4). The emitter of the transistor Q_(B4) is grounded via the resistor R_(B5) and is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N). Like the third embodiment, the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N).

[0104] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R₂₁ through R₂N are set to 500 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor CB is set to 1 nF.

[0105] The circuit according to the embodiment operates as follows and compensates for a decrease in base voltages of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0106] When the bias resistor is subject to a voltage drop, the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) may be subject to a decrease in base voltages. In such case, there occurs an increase in a voltage at the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A like the third embodiment. This increases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B2) to increase a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This decreases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B3) to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B4). This then increases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B4). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0107] Effects of the seventh embodiment are basically the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0108] <Embodiment 8>

[0109]FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0110] The eighth embodiment is configured by removing the capacitor C_(B) and the resistors R₂₁ through R₂N from the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 5 and inserting the coil L_(B) instead.

[0111] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. An inductance of the coil L_(B) is set to 10 μH. Since the inductance of the coil L_(B) is set to a value large enough to cut off a low-frequency component (approximately 5 MHz), only a direct current component flows through the resistor R_(B2).

[0112] Based on this configuration, the circuit according to the embodiment operates as follows and compensates for a decrease in base voltages of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) due to a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0113] When the bias resistor is subject to a voltage drop, the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) may be subject to a decrease in base voltages. In such case, a direct current flowing through the resistor R_(B2) increases to decrease the base voltage of the transistor Q_(B1). On the other hand, there is provided the coil L_(B) between the base of the amplifying transistor and the resistor R_(B2). The coil L_(B) is large enough to prevent low-frequency components in a bias voltage to the amplifying transistor. Accordingly, there occurs a decrease in the bias voltage to the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) of the circuit A only due to an increase in direct current components of a current flowing to the base of the amplifying transistor from the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A. A decrease in the bias voltage drops a current flowing through the resistor R_(B2) of the circuit A. As a result, this increases a collector voltage to the transistor Q_(B1) and also increases a bias voltage to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0114] Effects of the eighth embodiment are basically the same as those of the third embodiment. As explained in this embodiment, it is also possible to remove the capacitor CB and the resistors R₂₁ through R₂N from the fourth to sixth embodiments and insert the coil L_(B) instead. In this manner, it is possible to provide the radio frequency power amplifier having basically the same effects as for the fourth to sixth embodiments.

[0115] <Embodiment 9>

[0116]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0117] The ninth to fifteenth embodiments are combinations of the first means and the third configuration of the second means and provide specific configuration examples for realizing the following function. That is to say, there is provided a bias resistor having a value three to five times greater than that of a conventional ballast resistor. The function detects an average output current for the amplifying transistor. The function then automatically increases the output voltage from the base bias circuit for an appropriate value in proportion to the detected value.

[0118] Of these embodiments, the ninth to twelfth embodiments are configured to include the circuit A in the base bias circuit. The thirteenth to fifteenth embodiments are configured to include the circuit B. The circuit B comprises circuit components including at least one bipolar transistor configured as follows. The emitter is grounded via the first resistor or via the first resistor and a diode for level shift. The base is grounded via the capacitor and is connected to the constant voltage supply via the second resistor. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply. In the circuit B, an emitter-side node of the bipolar transistor is referred to as a first terminal of the circuit B. A base node thereof is referred to as a second terminal of the circuit B. It may be preferable to insert diodes (including a diode connecting between the base and the collector of the transistor) between the bipolar transistor's emitter and the second resistor for optimization of emitter node voltages.

[0119] The ninth embodiment in FIG. 11 differs from the third embodiment in FIG. 5 as follows. The ninth embodiment removes the path from the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N). Instead, there is provided a transistor Q_(S) for detecting average output currents from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as well as a resistor R₅ and a capacitor C_(S). Consequently, there are differences in reference amounts for automatically changing a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as follows. The third embodiment uses a bias voltage for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as the reference amount for this purpose. On the other hand, the ninth embodiment uses an average output current I_(ave) for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as the reference amount.

[0120] Wiring from the base of the transistor Q_(S) for average output current detection branches into two paths like the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). One path is connected to the high-frequency input terminal RF_(in) via the capacitor C_(S). The other path is connected to the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A via the resistor R_(S). The emitter of the detection transistor Q_(S) is grounded. The collector is connected to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A.

[0121] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor CB is set to 1 nF. The detection transistor Q_(S) is equivalent to the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The resistor R_(S) and the capacitor C_(S) are equivalent to the resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) and the capacitors C₁ through C_(N), respectively. Since the capacitor C_(B) is set to a value large enough to short-circuit a low frequency (approximately 5 MHz), only a direct current flows through the resistor R_(B2). The first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A mainly supplies a bias voltage to the base of the amplifying transistor. The second terminal T_(A2) detects an average output current from the amplifying transistor.

[0122] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the detection transistor Q_(S) to detect an amount proportional to the average output current I_(ave) from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). This amount is hereafter referred to as an average output current proportional amount. The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0123] The detection transistor Q_(S) is supplied with the same direct current bias and the same high-frequency input as for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Accordingly, the output current, i.e., the collector current becomes almost the same as for each of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Therefore, it is possible to estimate an output current for all the amplifying transistors by detecting the collector current for the detection transistor Q_(S). As a result, it is also possible to estimate a base current for all the amplifying transistors and a voltage drop in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) due to the base current.

[0124] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), the capacitor C_(B) short-circuits low-frequency components of the collector current, increasing a direct current flowing through the resistor R_(B2). This decreases the base voltage of the transistor Q_(B1) in the circuit A, decreasing a current flowing through the resistor R_(B1). As a result, this increases the voltage at the first terminal T_(A1) of the circuit A and a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0125] Effects of the ninth embodiment are basically the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0126] <Embodiment 10>

[0127]FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base. The tenth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in FIG. 7 as follows. The tenth embodiment removes the path from the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N). Instead, there is provided the transistor Q_(S) for detecting average output currents from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as well as a resistor R_(S) and a capacitor C_(S). The other operations in the configuration are the same as those for the fifth embodiment.

[0128] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0129] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), a voltage increases at the first terminal T_(A1) in the circuit A like the ninth embodiment. This increases voltages for the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B2). As a result, this increases a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0130] Effects of the tenth embodiment are basically the same as those of the fifth embodiment.

[0131] <Embodiment 11>

[0132]FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0133] The eleventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in FIG. 8 as follows. The eleventh embodiment removes the path from the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via the resistors R₂₁ through R_(2N). Instead, there is provided the transistor Q_(S) for detecting average output currents from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as well as a resistor R_(S) and a capacitor C_(S). The other operations in the configuration are the same as those for the sixth embodiment.

[0134] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0135] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), a voltage increases at the first terminal T_(A1) in the circuit A like the ninth embodiment. This increases a voltage for the base of the transistor Q_(B2) and increases a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This current increase then decreases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B3). This voltage drop decreases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B4) to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B5). This current decrease then increases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B5). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0136] Effects of the eleventh embodiment are basically the same as those of the sixth embodiment.

[0137] <Embodiment 12>

[0138]FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0139] The twelfth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in FIG. 9 as follows. The eleventh embodiment removes the path from the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) to the second terminal T_(A2) of the circuit A via the resistors R₂₁ through R₂N. Instead, there is provided the transistor Q_(S) for detecting average output currents from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) as well as a resistor R_(S) and a capacitor C_(S). The other operations in the configuration are the same as those for the seventh embodiment.

[0140] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0141] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q₅, a voltage increases at the first terminal T_(A1) in the circuit A like the ninth embodiment. This voltage increase also increases a voltage for the base of the transistor Q_(B2) and increases a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This current increase then decreases a voltage to the base of the transistor Q_(B3) and decreases a current flowing through the resistor R_(B4). This current decrease then increases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B4). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0142] Effects of the twelfth embodiment are basically the same as those of the seventh embodiment.

[0143] <Embodiment 13>

[0144]FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0145] In this embodiment, the reference symbols Q₁ to Q_(N) denote N equivalent SiGe HBTs; C₁ to C_(N) denote N equivalent capacitors; R₁₁ to R_(1N) denote N equivalent resistors; Q_(B1), Q_(B2), and Q_(S) denote SiGe HBTS; DB denotes a diode that short-circuits the base and the collector of the SiGe HBT; R_(B1), R_(B2), R_(B3), and R_(S) denote resistors; C_(B) and C_(S) denote capacitors; V_(CC) denotes a constant voltage supply; RF_(in) denotes a high-frequency input terminal; and RFout denotes a high-frequency output terminal. Q₁ to Q_(N) function as amplifying transistors; R₁₁ to R_(1N) as bias resistors; and Q_(B1), R_(B1), R_(B2), and C_(B) as a transistor, resistors, and a capacitor of the base bias circuit.

[0146] The diode D_(B) is inserted for level shift. A plurality of diode D_(B)s may be serially connected depending on resistance values or transistor's parameter values. The transistor Q_(S) operates to detect an average output current. A portion enclosed in the dash-double dot lines in FIG. 15 corresponds to the above-mentioned circuit B. In the circuit B, the collector of the transistor Q_(B1) is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The base is grounded via the capacitor C_(B). The base and the collector are connected to each other via the resistor R_(B2). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B1) and the level shift diode. It should be noted that the level shift diode makes it possible to ignore a voltage variation due to a current variation. The number of level shift diodes depends on configurations. Accordingly, the following description simply uses an expression such as “the emitter is connected to the resistor R_(B1)” instead of referring to the level shift diode. An emitter-side node of the transistor Q_(B1) is referred to as a first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B. A base node thereof is referred to as a second terminal T_(B2) of the circuit B.

[0147] Emitters of the amplifying transistors Q₁ to Q_(N) are grounded. Collectors are connected to the high-frequency output terminal RFout. Wiring from each base branches into two paths. One joins the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of the capacitors C₁ through C_(N) and is connected to the high-frequency input terminal RF_(in). The other unites with the corresponding wiring of the other transistors via one of bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) and is connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B2).

[0148] The base of the transistor Q_(B2) is connected to the first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B. The emitter is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B3). Wiring from the base of the transistor Q_(S) branches into two paths like the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). One is connected to the high-frequency input terminal RF_(in) via the capacitor Cs. The other is connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B2) via the resistor R_(S). The emitter of the detection transistor Q_(S) is grounded. The collector is connected to the second terminal T_(B2) of the circuit B.

[0149] Here, the constant voltage supply V_(CC) is set to 3.4 V. The bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) are set to 50 Ω in respective parallel connections. The R_(B1) and R_(B2) are set to 100 Ω and 1 kΩ, respectively. The capacitor C_(B) is set to 1 nF. The detection transistor Q_(S) is equivalent to the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The resistor R_(S) and the capacitor C_(S) are equivalent to the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N) and the capacitors C₁ through C_(N), respectively. Since the capacitor CB is set to a value large enough to short-circuit a low frequency (approximately 5 MHz), only a direct current flows through the resistor R_(B2).

[0150] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0151] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), the capacitor C_(B) short-circuits low-frequency components of the collector current, increasing a direct current flowing through the resistor R_(B2). This current increase then decreases a base voltage to the transistor Q_(B1), decreases a current flowing through the resistor R_(B1), and decreases a voltage at the first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B. A base voltage to the transistor Q_(B2) decreases to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This increases a collector voltage of the transistor Q_(B2) and consequently increases bias voltages to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the bias circuit and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0152] Effects of the thirteenth embodiment are basically the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0153] <Embodiment 14>

[0154]FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0155] The fourteenth embodiment differs from the thirteenth embodiment in FIG. 15 in that there are added the transistor Q_(B3) as SiGe HBT and the resistor R_(B4) as parts of the bias circuit. The other operations in the configuration are the same as those for the thirteenth embodiment. The base of the transistor Q_(B3) is connected to the collector of the transistor Q_(B2). The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B4) and is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0156] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). The detection operation will be described below.

[0157] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), a voltage drops at the first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B like the thirteenth embodiment. This voltage drop further decreases a base voltage to the transistor Q_(B2) to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B3). This increases a collector voltage of the transistor Q_(B2). This voltage increase further increases base and emitter voltages for the transistor Q_(B3) and consequently increases bias voltages to the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the bias circuit and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0158] Effects of the fourteenth embodiment are basically the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment. Moreover, the fourteenth embodiment adds the emitter follower circuit comprising the transistor Q_(B3) and the resistor R_(B4). Even if a bias voltage fluctuates due to variations of an average base current for the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) at low frequencies, it is possible to reduce such fluctuation compared to the thirteenth embodiment. As a result, there is provided an advantage of further decreasing amplification distortion.

[0159] <Embodiment 15>

[0160]FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a major part of a WCDMA compliant radio frequency power amplifier according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes an amplifying transistor and a bias circuit connected to its base.

[0161] The fifteenth embodiment differs from the third embodiment shown in FIG. 15 as follows. The fifteenth embodiment newly adds Q_(B3) and Q_(B4), i.e., SiGe HBTs, and the resistors R_(B4) and R_(B5) as parts of the bias circuit.

[0162] The base of the transistor Q_(B2) is connected to the first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B3) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B3). The emitter of the transistor Q_(B3) is grounded. The collector is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC) via the resistor R_(B4) and is connected to the base of the transistor Q_(B4). The collector of the transistor Q_(B4) is connected to the constant voltage supply V_(CC). The emitter is grounded via the resistor R_(B5) and is connected to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) via the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0163] The circuit according to the embodiment is configured in this manner and uses the transistor Q_(S) to detect an average output current proportional amount from the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) The detection operation is used to automatically change a bias voltage supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N) The detection operation will be described below.

[0164] When a collector current increases in the detection transistor Q_(S), a voltage drops at the first terminal T_(B1) of the circuit B like the thirteenth embodiment. This further decreases base and emitter voltages to the transistor Q_(B2). This voltage drop further decreases a base voltage to the transistor Q_(B3) to decrease a current flowing through the resistor R_(B4). This current decrease then increases voltages to the base and the emitter of the transistor Q_(B4). As a result, there occurs an increase in bias voltages supplied to the bases of the amplifying transistors Q₁ through Q_(N). Values of the resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) in the circuit A and a parameter for the bipolar transistor Q_(B1) are configured so that the increase amount of the bias voltage almost equals the voltage drop amount in the bias resistors R₁₁ through R_(1N).

[0165] Effects of the twelfth embodiment are basically the same as those of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0166] <Embodiment 16>

[0167]FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system using the radio frequency power amplifier according to any of the first to fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. The communication system comprises: a digital signal processor 21; a baseband section 22; an intermediate frequency (IF) section 23; a synthesizer 24; an up-conversion mixer 25; a down-conversion mixer 26; a driver 27; a power amplifier 28; a low noise amplifier 29; a duplexor 30; and an antenna 31.

[0168] The power amplifier 27 uses the radio frequency power amplifier according to any of the first to fifteenth embodiments. The power amplifier 27 increases a distortion if an attempt is made to increase the efficiency by adjusting bias conditions. Under the same bias condition and the same efficiency, a small distortion enables higher efficiency below a specified distortion through adjustment of the bias condition. Accordingly, the power amplifier with small distortion according to the present invention can provide higher efficiency than a conventional power amplifier. As a result, the communication system using the power amplifier according to the present invention can reduce the power consumption and elongate an interval for charging batteries.

[0169] With reference to FIG. 21, the following describes effects of the present invention on the performance of the power amplifier compliant with a WCDMA system (1.95 GHz frequency) that has basically the same configuration as the above-mentioned communication system. FIG. 21 shows comparison of the dependence of the power amplifier on adjacent channel leakage power ratio (ACPR), gain G, and output power PW_(out) (dBm) with efficiency η in the cases of using: I. a power amplifier having the same configuration as a prior art without bias resistor; II. a power amplifier incorporating a bias resistor instead of the conventional ballast resistor; and III. the power amplifier according to the present invention that uses a bias resistor and arranges a coil parallel to it for compensating a voltage drop.

[0170] The use of the bias resistor and the parallel coil is equivalent to the radio frequency power amplifier according to the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1. The amplifying transistor uses SiGe HBT. The ACPR shows a ratio between the power leaking to the adjacent channel and the actual signal power when a plurality of 5 MHz detuned signals is amplified. The ACPR works as an index of the amplification distortion. The smaller an ACPR value becomes, the smaller the amplification distortion becomes.

[0171]FIG. 21 shows that case (II) of using the bias resistor greatly decreases the ACPR up to approximately 7 dB in comparison with case (I) of using no bias resistor.

[0172] Gain G decreases 1 to 2 dB when the bias resistor is used as in case (II). The more an output becomes, the more the gain decreases. This prevents the maximum linear output power from being supplied sufficiently.

[0173] In case (III) where the coil is arranged parallel to the bias resistor to compensate a voltage drop due to the bias resistor, gain G becomes almost the same as in case (I) of using no bias resistor. As a result, the maximum linear output power defined as ACPR <-40 dBc increases approximately 1.5 dB in comparison with case (II) of not compensating for a voltage drop.

[0174] On the other hand, efficiency η hardly depends on whether or not to provide the bias resistor and compensation for voltage drop. These countermeasures give no side effects on the efficiency. The use of the radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention can greatly decrease the CAPRI in a wide output power range by maintaining high efficiency.

[0175] It is possible to obtain effects similar to those mentioned above concerning the power amplifier performance also through the use of the radio frequency power amplifier according to the present invention described in the embodiments that use no parallel coil.

[0176] While there have been described specific preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the present invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied within the spirit and scope of the invention. While the embodiments have described effects of the WCDMA compliant power amplifier, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that similar effects are obtained by applying the radio frequency power amplifier to CDMA and the other technologies

[0177] As will be seen from the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention can provide the radio frequency power amplifier and the communication system using the same characterized by using SiGe HBT as an amplifying transistor, a small loss in the emitter resistance in comparison with GaAs HBT, high efficiency, and a small amplification distortion in a wide output range. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A radio frequency power amplifier comprising: a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and a base bias power supply and having a collector connected to an output terminal.
 2. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 1, wherein a resistor and a coil are inserted parallel between the base and the base bias power supply.
 3. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 1, wherein a bias resistor is inserted between the base and the base bias power supply, and there is provided a function of detecting an average voltage at a base-side node of the bias resistor and changing output voltage from the base bias power supply in accordance with a detected value.
 4. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 3, wherein the base bias power supply comprises a first bipolar transistor, first and second resistors, and a first capacitor, and wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to ground an emitter, ground a base via the first capacitor, connect a collector to a constant voltage supply via the first resistor, and connect the base to the collector via the second resistor.
 5. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 4, wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to connect the base to a base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via the first capacitor and a resistor constituting a low-pass filter and connect the collector to the base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via the bias resistor.
 6. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 5, wherein there are excluded the resistor constituting the low-pass filter and the first capacitor, and the base of the first bipolar transistor is connected to the base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via a coil.
 7. A radio frequency power amplifier comprising: a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and to a base bias power supply via a bias resistor and having a collector connected to an output terminal; and a bipolar transistor for average output current detection in which a base is connected not only to a high-frequency input terminal, but also to the base bias power supply via a resistor equivalent to the bias resistor, and a collector is connected to the base bias power supply, wherein there is provided a function of using the bipolar transistor to detect an average output current and changing output voltage from the base bias power supply in accordance with a detected value.
 8. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 7, wherein the base bias power supply includes a first bipolar transistor, first and second resistors, and a first capacitor, and wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to ground an emitter, ground a base via the first capacitor, connect a collector to a constant voltage supply via the first resistor, and connect the base to the collector via the second resistor.
 9. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 8, wherein a collector of the first bipolar transistor is connected to the base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via a bias resistor, and wherein the detection bipolar transistor is configured to connect the collector to the base of the first bipolar transistor and connect the base not only to the collector of the first bipolar transistor via a resistor equivalent to the bias resistor, but also to the high-frequency input terminal.
 10. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 7, wherein the base bias power supply comprises a first bipolar transistor, first and second resistors, and a first capacitor, and wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to connect a collector to a constant voltage supply, ground an emitter via the first resistor, connect a base to a constant voltage supply via the second resistor, and ground the same via the first capacitor.
 11. The radio frequency power amplifier according to claim 1, wherein the bipolar transistor is an SiGe hetero-junction bipolar transistor in which the base comprises SiGe mix crystal, and the emitter and the collector comprise Si, and wherein the bipolar transistor is configured to ground an emitter, connect a base to an input terminal and a base bias power supply, and connect a collector to an output terminal; a bias resistor is inserted between the base and the base bias power supply; and there is provided a function of detecting an average value of base current or collector current and correspondingly changing an output voltage from the base bias power supply.
 12. A communication system comprising: a digital signal processor; a baseband section; an intermediate frequency (IF) section; a synthesizer; a down-conversion mixer; an up-conversion mixer; a driver; a power amplifier; a low noise amplifier; a duplexor; and an antenna, wherein the power amplifier comprises: a bipolar transistor for emitter ground amplification having a base connected to an input terminal and a base bias power supply and having a collector connected to an output terminal.
 13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein a resistor and a coil are inserted parallel between the base and the base bias power supply.
 14. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein a bias resistor is inserted between the base and the base bias power supply, and there is provided a function of detecting an average voltage at a base-side node of the bias resistor and changing output voltage from the base bias power supply in accordance with a detected value.
 15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the base bias power supply comprises a first bipolar transistor, first and second resistors, and a first capacitor, and wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to ground an emitter, ground a base via the first capacitor, connect a collector to a constant voltage supply via the first resistor, and connect the base to the collector via the second resistor.
 16. The communication system according to claim 15, wherein the first bipolar transistor is configured to connect the base to a base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via the first capacitor and a resistor constituting a low-pass filter and connect the collector to the base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via the bias resistor.
 17. The communication system according to claim 16, wherein there are excluded the resistor constituting the low-pass filter and the first capacitor, and the base of the first bipolar transistor is connected to the base of the amplifying bipolar transistor via a coil. 